Floating-bending tensile-integrity structures

This is a conceptual work about the form-finding of a hybrid tensegrity structure. The structure was obtained from the combination of arch-supported membrane systems and diamond-type tensegrity systems. By combining these two types of structures, the resulting system features the tensile-integrity property of cables and membrane together with what we call floating-bending of the arches, a term which is intended to recall the words floating-compression introduced by Kenneth Snelson, the father of tensegrities. Two approaches in the form-finding calculations were followed, the Matlab implementation of a simple model comprising standard constant-stress membrane/cable elements together with the so-called stick-andspring elements for the arches, and the analysis with the commercial software WinTess, used in conjunction with Rhino and Grasshopper. The case study of a T3 floating-bending tensile-integrity structure was explored, a structure that features a much larger enclosed volume in comparison to conventional tensegrity prisms. The structural design of an outdoor pavilion of 6 m in height was carried out considering ultimate and service limit states. This study shows that floating-bending structures are feasible, opening the way to the introduction of suitable analysis and optimization procedures for this type of structures.

Automated summary

This study focuses on the form-finding of a hybrid tensegrity structure combining arch-supported membrane systems and diamond-type tensegrity systems. Two approaches, Matlab and WinTess, were used for the calculations and analysis of a T3 floating-bending tensile-integrity structure. The research shows the feasibility of floating-bending structures and introduces suitable analysis and optimization procedures for this type of structures.